Highlights

Description of Thailand activity holiday, biking and hiking

This two week Thailand activity holiday starts in Bangkok, where we have time to explore this somewhat crazy capital, first on foot and then by bike, the latter a great way to explore the canals and historic suburbs of the city.

Taking a sleeper train north, an experience in itself, we arrive in Chiang Mai to start the next part of our adventure. We come back to this ancient city, with its wonderful mountainous location, later in the trip, first exploring the rainforests and welcoming hilltribe villages on foot. Warm communities, cooling waterfalls, jungle streams and a traditional massage are all favourite highlights of this section of the holiday.

We then spend nearly three days in Chiang Mai itself, also known as the Rose of the North and a truly stunning city. Founded 800 years ago, there is a choice of over 300 temples to visit, markets (including the famous night bazaar), and we explore the city and its luscious environs by bike, taking in lakes, waterfalls, rivers and paddy fields.

After a return sleeper train journey to Bangkok, we transfer on a short bus journey to Kanchanaburi, home of the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, and where we get a chance to kayak the Kwai on a two day expedition, staying at basic huts along the way. So, if staying in four star hotels and lying on the beach is your dream way to see Thailand, this trip might not be for you. If exploring the grass roots, jungles, mountains and wonderful local communities is more in line with your dreams, and you are excited by the notion of staying in a rural bamboo homestay, or waking up to the sounds of wildlife on the River Kwai, then we think you will love this Thailand activity holiday.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.

Small group adventure

What is a small group adventure?
It's a great way to travel! Whether you are travelling on your own, with a partner or with friends, a small group trip is a fantastic way to see the world. You'll travel on a fixed itinerary that has been designed to help you discover the best of region. From the known highlights, the hidden gems that you won't find in the guidebooks.

Itineraries run on set departure dates, accompanied every step of the way by an English speaking local group leader. You chose the itinerary and the date that suits you best and you book on.

Why travel on a small group adventure?
Small groups allow us to explore where larger tour groups can't. Our maximum group size of 16 travellers allows us to use local transport to get from A to B, to visit rural villages, spend time with the locals and even stay at a local home overnight, and it allows us to give our travellers genuine, real life experiences of the countries we are visiting; what you'll be doing and how you'll travel depends entirely on your chosen itinerary.

Is an adventure right for me?
The word adventure means something different to everyone, and our range of trips reflects that. Whether you want to explore local markets, visit out of the way temples and meet local people or go on an early morning safari drive searching for the 'big five', we'll have a trip for you. If you are looking for a physical challenge such trekking the Kokoda Track or summiting Kilimanjaro, we can help with that too.

So what can I expect on this trip?
This is a classic style of small group adventure. You'll find your trip combines a good mix of included activities and free time, with some meals included as per your itinerary. We don't want you to feel chaperoned, it's your holiday not ours. Your group leader will be on hand to assist with organising anything you might wish to do in your free time, but how you spend it is up to you. Anything listed as included in your itinerary will be included in trip price; whereas anything listed as optional will be at an additional cost should you wish to take part.

These trips are great value, including things that you would struggle to organise independently, such as a night at a homestay in a remote village, or local guides around a remote place of interest. Transport will be a combination of private vehicle and public transport, whichever is the most appropriate for the route we are travelling; this might include train, plane, camel, tuk tuk, bicycle, boat…

On a majority of these trips you'll stay in 2-3 star accommodation, locally owned and reflective of the region you are travelling through. All solo travellers will be automatically roomed on a twin share basis with another group member of the same sex, unless you opt to pay for your own room at time of booking. There are no compulsory single supplements for solo travellers willing to share. Single rooms aren't available on camping trips, and you will be expected to help out with camp tasks such as setting up and breaking down your camp.

Can I book my flights with you?
Yes! We are a fully ATOL bonded tour operator meaning that we can book flights from the UK as part of your holiday package. Just ask us for a quote including flights when you make your enquiry.

Responsible tourism

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.

During our trip, our group leader and local guides take active steps to ensure our groups behave in an environmentally responsible manner, such as sticking to established trails, not leaving anything behind and not removing any plants in rural areas. They are also always eager to share information about their country and culture, and help you break down barriers in your interactions with local people.

We actively support Friends of the Asian Elephant, which aims to protect and conserve the welfare of elephants, both domesticated and wild and any contributions by travellers are gratefully accepted.

The Impacts of this Trip

Our overnight train journeys are a great way to get to know some of the friendly Thai people and your leader will encourage you to practice your Thai or make the most of the opportunity to teach some English to people onboard.

At the end of our journey, travellers are encouraged to donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages for distribution to local villages in the north of Thailand.

Environment

During our trip, our group leader and local guides take active steps to ensure our groups behave in an environmentally responsible manner, such as sticking to established trails, not leaving anything behind and not removing any plants in rural areas. They are also always eager to share information about their country and culture, and help you break down barriers in your interactions with local people.

We actively support Friends of the Asian Elephant, which aims to protect and conserve the welfare of elephants, both domesticated and wild and any contributions by travellers are gratefully accepted.

Community

The Impacts of this Trip

Our overnight train journeys are a great way to get to know some of the friendly Thai people and your leader will encourage you to practice your Thai or make the most of the opportunity to teach some English to people onboard.

At the end of our journey, travellers are encouraged to donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages for distribution to local villages in the north of Thailand.

Climate

1 Reviews of Thailand activity holiday, biking and hiking

4 out of 5 stars

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Reviewed on 31 Mar 2012 by Hannah Gausden

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The first village stay on the hill tribe trek - we were the first group to stay in this village, and the kids were so excited to see us that I think we became a free babysitting service to the whole village for the entire night!

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Be prepared to 'rough it' and bring a sense of adventure with you. Many of the nights accommodation involve some form of shared accommodation with the whole group - think home stays, bamboo huts when trekking, house boats, and sleeper trains.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Feel local people were benefitted, particularly with elements such as home stay, hill tribe trek and house boat stay. Our tour guide was also very good at getting us to experience new foods from street vendors, and it definitely made their day when 12 hungry tourists wanted to try their culinary delights!

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

This was an excellent holiday with a good level of activities on offer, plus the opportunity to do further activities (I recommend the Chang Mai bicycle tour). I felt the price could have been a little cheaper considering the level of accommodation was often basic and shared, but all in all a good break.